What Is the Polio Vaccine?

The polio vaccine is made of inactivated polio virus. An oral vaccine containing live polio vaccine was used in the past. There was a small risk of getting polio from the oral vaccine. It is no longer recommended. Today's polio vaccine is given by injection into the arm or leg.

Who Should Get Vaccinated and When?

The polio vaccine is recommended for all children. The vaccine can be given to babies as young as 6 weeks. This is only done if the baby is at an increased risk of infection. The regular schedule for giving the vaccine is at ages 2, 4, 6-18 months, and at 4-6 years. If the child receives the fourth dose before age 4 years, then a fifth dose will be needed between 4-6 years.

Certain higher risk adults who did not receive the polio vaccine as children should talk with their doctors about whether they should get it. These include:

People traveling to areas of the world where polio is common

Laboratory workers who handle the polio virus

Healthcare workers who treat patients who may have polio

What Are the Risks Associated With the Polio Vaccine?

Most people have no problems with the polio vaccine. However, some experience soreness around the area where the shot was given. Like all vaccines, the polio vaccine carries a small risk of serious reaction, such as a severe allergic reaction.

Acetaminophen is sometimes given to help prevent pain and fever that may occur after getting a vaccine. The medication may weaken the vaccine's effectiveness in infants. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking acetaminophen with your doctor.

Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?

You should not get the polio vaccine if you:

Are allergic to the medicines neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin B

Have had an allergic reaction to a previous polio vaccine

Are very ill

What Other Ways Can Polio Be Prevented Besides Vaccination?

Avoiding unsanitary conditions and practicing good personal hygiene can help prevent polio.

What Happens in the Event of an Outbreak?

In the event of an outbreak, all people who have not received the polio vaccine should receive it.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Polio vaccination: who needs it? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/polio/vacc-in-short.htm. Updated October 3, 2014. Accessed December 1, 2014.

Polio vaccine. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/vaccines/polio-vaccine.html. Updated December 2010. Accessed December 1, 2014.

Polio vaccine: What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/ipv.html. Updated November 8, 2011. Accessed December 1, 2014.